Czaplienk's Gate

This charming town is situated on the Drawskie Lakeland, in the southern part of Zachodniopomorskie province, just between Drawsko and Czaplino Lakes. Three other lakes in this area combined with a forest surrounding the town, create a special, unique atmosphere that attracts people who seek both recreation and real adventure.

In Czaplinek you may still find a calm, lonely place where it is possible to have a real contact with unspoiled nature. With a rich choice of sporting and leisure activities, the town remains the place for cultural events and entertainment. Attractions such as smoked european whitefish and drahimski honey will never be forgotten. In the same time, Czaplinek offers splendid shopping opportunities to supply all our guests' needs. Hiking is also possible in this region because almost all tourist trails guide us through Czaplinek. What is more, many bicycle tracks start at Czaplinek's main market and lead to most interesting spots.

Czaplinek's Old Town complex comprising Templar Castle (at present it is the Holy Trinity church) and surrounding streets is a characteristic example of medieval urban planning. During a walk along town's picturesque streets our visitors are enchanted by a wooden monument of a fisherman Pawel Wasznik. The legend of this man is connected with drahim castle. Another place worth seeing is the Museum Chamber where carefully collected exhibits reconstruct the town as it used to be in the history. In the eastern part of the market we can find the church of Praised St. Cross, which was built in the years 1829-1830 in Neo-Romanesque and Classicism styles. The base of the church has a form of the cross.

Above that, this region prides on more than a two kilometers promenade near Drawsko Lake. With a good visibility it is possible to spot Bielawa - fifth biggest inland island in Poland. The promenade will guide you through Water Sport Centre and XIX century building of forestry management up to guarded bathing place, amphitheatre and stadium. But undoubtfully the biggest attraction, not only for sailors, is Drawsko Lake (area 1872 ha, depth 83 m). Numerous bays, peninsulas and islands hidden among picturesque hills can be a challenge for your sailing skills, as well as, a superb place of peaceful rest. On the lake, it is forbidden to use internal-combustion engines in order to save the beauty and quietness of nature.

Drawsko Lake is also the starting point of many beautiful canoeing trips on Drawa River. Among them is a famous Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (present Pope) canoeing trip. We strongly recommend a few days canoeing trip to admire a unique Drawski Landscape Park, military training ground and finally Drawski National Park. Canoeing fans can easily find equipment to rent and professional advice.
Well prepared foot-paths, marked bicycle and horse tracks are an excellent background for active forms of entertainment. They let us gain the knowledge of geological history, flora and fauna and finally, above all - the life of present and past inhabitants of this land.

Another place worth seeing is Zelislaw, where thanks to "Zelislawski Zapiecek" program the inhabitants deal with pottery and wicker.
Sikory is a small village situated near Czaplinek, where Pottery Settlement is being organized. What is more, from this point starts the canoeing trip on Pilawa River which leads to areas of Borne Sulinowo and reinforcements of Pomorki Embankment.

Not far from Spyczyna Mountain, in Zerdno, tourist can find a tower with a wonderful view where they can admire scenes which will leave them speechless. On the way, it is vital to get to know the history of Drahim (present Old Drawsko) where between Drawsko and Zerdno lakes we spot the ruins of Joannic Castle.

Excursion on Spyczyna Mountain is 1,5 km long so be prepared for a longer walk.

In the region there are many good accommodation possibilities; running all year recreational centers near Drawsko Lake, a hotel, camp-sites, campings and agrotouristic farms where it is possible to feel the silence in the close contact with nature.